Forest Department informed growers to re-enter into contract with them to be allowed to plant perennial rubber tree, according to a report of Myanma Alin, on Monday.
Dr Nyi Nyi Kyaw, Director-General of the Forestry Department said rubber trees were allowed to be planted on forest areas in 1995. Those land areas were transferred to agriculture department and the rubber entrepreneurs signed lease with them. When the entrepreneurs who signed the lease sold their land, the Forest Department asked the agriculture department to return these lease contracts.
The Forest Department will grant 30-year-contract for rubber farms, following negotiations between initial owner and current owner. If needed, contract can be extended.
Regarding to land permit, U Ohn Than from Myanmar Rubber Planters and Producers Association (MRPPA) said that rubber plantation acres were developed in virgin and vacant land areas across Bago Yoma forest. Therefore, those rubber plantation acres have been requested to be granted permit. About 150,000 acres of rubber farms were not authorized to operate. These lands also had squatters that could not be removed and thus, infrastructure could not be made.— Zar Lin Thu (AMIA)